Bus driver charged over death of cyclist crushed on Oxford Street

Jayne Helliwell, 25, suffered fatal injuries when she was hit by the No390 double-decker as she passed a bus stop near Tottenham Court Road station.

She was taken to the Royal London Hospital but died four hours after the accident.

Last night Metroline bus driver Carlton Lewars, who suffered minor injuries in the crash on 14 April, was charged with causing death by dangerous driving.

The 59-year-old, of Wood Green, was released on bail to appear at Westminster magistrates' court on 15 October, Scotland Yard said.

Ms Helliwell lived in east London and worked as an artist, photographer, graphic designer and music-video director.

Friends paid tribute to her following her death, which happened a week before her 26th birthday.

Musician Leo Kurunis, 22, said: "Jayne was a lovely girl and so talented. She did so much with her life - she always had projects on the go. She was a warm-hearted girl with the world at her feet. Everyone who knew her is devastated. She loved cycling and travelled everywhere on her bike."

Ms Helliwell, whose parents live in Rugby, studied illustration and animation at Kingston University. She put on art shows in the capital and designed artwork for bands and DJs. At the time of the accident, roadworks had turned the eastern end of Oxford Street into what cycling groups said was a dangerous one-lane "slalom".

Friend Amelia Gregory said: "I hope, very soon, that we will see safer roads for cyclists and that her life will not have been taken in vain."